Carter - Merlin

The Rev. Horace Johnson officiated at the double-ring ceremony at Ray of Hope Church.

Parents of the bride are Alan and Faye Merlin of Dudley. She is the granddaughter of Alice T. Evans of Dudley, the late Joseph and Dorothy Merlin of Miami, Fla., and the late A.J. Evans.

Billy and Dixie Carter of Mount Olive and the late Cathy Lambert Carter are parents of the groom. He is the grandson of the late Joe and Margie Bas of Pikeville and the late Andrew and Temple Thornton of Faison.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore an A-line gown of satin with a single layer of tulle overlay embellished with beaded lace on the bodice and hem. The hem had a three-tiered scalloped bottom that extended into a chapel-length train.

For her headpiece, she chose a rhinestone tiara with a bottom pearrow and a fingertip veil of pearl and crystal accents and a corded edge. She carried a round bouquet of stargazer lilies, pink roses, yellow stock, lavender freesia and baby’s breath.

A program of wedding music was provided by Jason Cox, pianist, vocalist and guitarist, and Jamie Cox, vocalist.

After a wedding cruise to the Bahamas, the couple will reside in Goldsboro.

The bride is a graduate of Southern Wayne High School and Wayne Community College with an associate’s degree in medical assistance. She is employed as a medical receptionist with Goldsboro Family Physicians.

The groom graduated from Southern Wayne High School and Wayne Community College. He is employed as a warehouse manager with Fastenal Co.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Wayne County Shrine Club. Mr. and Mrs. David Doemer greeted guests. Nita Vannoske cut the wedding cake. Judy Pearce poured punch.

Out-of-town guests were from Texas, Florida and South Carolina.

The groom’s parents held a rehearsal dinner June 25 at Ray of Hope Church fellowship hall. The groom chose this time to present gifts to his attendants.

June 11 through 13, the matron of honor, bridesmaids and friends held a weekend getaway bachelorette party in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The bride’s parents held a pool party and barbecue June 6.

On May 23, the bride’s mother held a floating miscellaneous shower at Willow Run Clubhouse.

Co-workers of the bride held a miscellaneous shower May 18.

May 13 through 16, Eric Toler and Steve Thigpen held a weekend getaway bachelor party in Myrtle Beach.

A bridesmaids’ luncheon was held April 22 at Torrero’s.

Nita, Jeanette and Casey Vannoske held a lingerie shower April 2 at their home.